This article was co-authored by Jason Myerson, DPT, DMT, OCS, FAAOMPT. Jason Myerson is a Physical Therapist and a Certified Orthopedic Specialist. He is affiliated with Performance Physical Therapy & Wellness with clinics located in Connecticut. He serves as adjunct faculty in the Physical Therapy Department at Quinnipiac University. Jason specializes in helping active people get back to hobbies, activities, and sports they love while utilizing an integrated approach to wellness. He holds an MA in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Arcadia University. He is Residency and Fellowship trained in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, achieved a Doctorate in Manual Therapy (DMT) and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT).

There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Osteoarthritis is a "wear-and-tear" condition that occurs when cartilage wears away between joints, especially those in the neck, hands, hips, knees, and lower back. This can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many steps you can take to make life easier if you have it. Diagnosing osteoarthritis is the first step to establishing a treatment plan that works for you.

Take note of soreness and stiffness of your joints after rest or overuse. Osteoarthritis symptoms tend to flare up after a long period of inactivity or after rigorous activity. Record how often you experience pain or difficulty moving certain joints in your body. These symptoms will build gradually rather than show up suddenly, so monitoring your pain over a period of a few weeks is the best indication that you might have osteoarthritis.[1]XTrustworthy SourceArthritis FoundationMain organization devoted to arthritis support and educationGo to source

Pain usually manifests itself in the hips, knees, and lower back, but it can affect other joints as well such as the fingers and feet.

Osteoarthritis pain tends to have a gradual onset and worsen during weight-bearing activity. It also generally improves with rest. This pain may feel asymmetric and can be difficult to pinpoint.

Those with osteoarthritis tend to be particularly stiff after waking up or after extended periods of inactivity. This stiffness generally lasts less than 30 minutes.

Notice if there is a grating sensation when using certain joints. Osteoarthritis may cause an abrasive feeling in your joints that you can sometimes hear. When using joints that are painful or stiff, listen carefully for a scraping or grinding noise. You may also feel an unnerving sensation of friction in these joints when moving them. [2]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Watch for redness and swelling around your joints. Joints affected by osteoarthritis may appear red and swell after extended periods of activity or overuse. This swelling may hinder your ability to do everyday tasks and move freely. Take note of any joints that swell repeatedly after use, and how long this symptom usually lasts.[3]XTrustworthy SourceArthritis FoundationMain organization devoted to arthritis support and educationGo to source

Feel around your joints for bone spurs. A noticeable symptom of osteoarthritis is the formation of extra bits of bone around your affected joints. Apply gentle pressure to the skin around your sore or swollen joints to check for bone spurs. These will feel like hard lumps around the joint. [4]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

If you have osteoarthritis, you will likely also feel tenderness when putting pressures on the affected areas.

Tell your doctor about your recurring joint pain. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will need an accurate description of your symptoms. Tell them exactly where you have been experiencing pain, stiffness, and swelling, and for how long. Be sure to tell them about any notable illness or injury in your medical history that may have contributed to your joint pain.[5]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source

Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist who specializes in arthritis for a diagnosis.

Your doctor will likely conduct a physical exam to evaluate your symptoms. This exam may include palpation to check for crepitus, warmth, swelling, and pain. It may also involve testing your range of motion and muscle strength.

Ask your doctor for an MRI or x-rays for a more accurate diagnosis. The loss of cartilage between bones can be seen on electronic imaging tests, confirming an osteoarthritis diagnosis. While doctors often forgo these tests because they feel confident in their diagnosis, MRIs and x-rays are sometimes conducted in more complex cases. If you feel confident about the diagnosis you have been given, ask your doctor if they can run these tests.[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Get a blood test to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. While blood tests do not reveal osteoarthritis, they can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. This distinction may important in choosing an appropriate treatment plan. Ask your doctor if you can get blood tests done for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, may cause similar symptoms and can be diagnosed with a blood test.

Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapy can improve life with osteoarthritis through a customized exercise plan. A physical therapist will work with you individually to strengthen the muscles around your sore joints, reducing pain and improving your ability to move freely. Ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you.[8]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

A physical therapist will help you do exercises during your appointments and show you simple exercises to do on your own at home.

Do gentle exercise to improve your movement and reduce pain. Moving and stretching your body at a moderate level of exertion can help to lessen osteoarthritis symptoms. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day 5 times a week. Look for beginner classes in yoga or tai chi, which combine deep breathing, stretching, and choreographed movements to relax the mind and body. Moderate exercise like walking, using an elliptical trainer, and swimming are also good options for relieving and preventing osteoarthritis symptoms.[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Make sure that any courses you take are led by knowledgeable instructors.

If you experience pain in your joints, stop the activity and resume exercising 1-2 days later at a more moderate level of intensity. In general, it is best to stop aggravating activities like intense jogging and stair climbing.

Jason Myerson is a Physical Therapist and a Certified Orthopedic Specialist. He is affiliated with Performance Physical Therapy & Wellness with clinics located in Connecticut. He serves as adjunct faculty in the Physical Therapy Department at Quinnipiac University. Jason specializes in helping active people get back to hobbies, activities, and sports they love while utilizing an integrated approach to wellness. He holds an MA in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Arcadia University. He is Residency and Fellowship trained in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, achieved a Doctorate in Manual Therapy (DMT) and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT).

Our Expert Agrees: Osteoarthritis is a normal process that our joints and bones go throug as we age. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are stiffness and tightness, but other symptoms can include a deep, nagging ache or sharp pains. The best way to ease this pain is with movement, like going for a walk or doing gentle exercise.

Use hot or cold compresses for 20 minute intervals. Hot and cold therapy can relieve swelling and pain around your joints for a short time. Always use a cloth buffer to protect your skin from a hot or frozen compress. Place the compress over the affected area and hold it in place for up to 20 minutes to lessen your symptoms.[10]XTrustworthy SourceArthritis FoundationMain organization devoted to arthritis support and educationGo to source

Purchase a heating pad or a gel cold pack at your local pharmacy.

Soaking in a warm bath or submerging your sore joints in an ice bath might also reduce your discomfort.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter pain relievers. Over-the-counter pills like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium can help with moderate levels of osteoarthritis pain. Similarly, topical creams and gels can ease joint pain. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about what over-the-counter treatment to choose.[11]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Generally, you will be advised to take a 325 mg tablet of acetaminophen every 4-8 hours. Be careful not to exceed 4,000 mg per day.

Never exceed your doctor's recommended dose of painkiller medications, which can result in liver damage over time.

Stop using pain cream or medication if you experience negative side effects such as upset stomach, cardiovascular problems, or excessive bleeding.

Try self-massage.Gentle self-massage can help relieve the pain when your osteoarthritis symptoms swell up. Use your hands to make large, vigorous strokes over the entire area in pain. Then, use your fingers to target specific points to help relieve tension.[12]XTrustworthy SourceArthritis FoundationMain organization devoted to arthritis support and educationGo to source

Using a warm oil while you massage yourself can help further relieve pain and make the massage more comfortable.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Jason Myerson, DPT, DMT, OCS, FAAOMPT. Jason Myerson is a Physical Therapist and a Certified Orthopedic Specialist. He is affiliated with Performance Physical Therapy & Wellness with clinics located in Connecticut. He serves as adjunct faculty in the Physical Therapy Department at Quinnipiac University. Jason specializes in helping active people get back to hobbies, activities, and sports they love while utilizing an integrated approach to wellness. He holds an MA in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Arcadia University. He is Residency and Fellowship trained in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, achieved a Doctorate in Manual Therapy (DMT) and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT).

To diagnose osteoarthritis, check yourself to see if you have common symptoms, like soreness and stiffness in your joints after rest or overuse. Pain can occur in your hips, knees, and lower back, as well as in joints of your fingers and feet. Notice if you have any grating sensations when using certain joints, like scraping or grinding noises. Additionally, watch for redness and swelling and feel around your joints for bone spurs. Finally, record how often and where you experience pain so that you can tell your doctor for a formal diagnosis. For more advice from our Medical reviewer, like how to improve your condition, keep reading!